Dispensing closure

ABSTRACT

A dispensing closure includes a closure body defining a dispensing aperture, an openable lid which cooperates with the closure body for enabling access to the dispensing aperture. The openable lid defines a first dispensing portion and a second dispensing portion. The first openable flap cooperates with the openable lid for enabling access to the first dispensing portion. The second openable flap cooperates with the openable lid for enabling access to the second dispensing portion. The dispensing closure is constructed and arranged for use with a container which contains a particulate material for the dispensing of some or all of that particulate material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT/US2015/041358 filed Jul. 21,2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/027,828filed Jul. 23, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention, as represented by the disclosed exemplaryembodiments, relates generally to dispensing closures for dispensingparticulate matter from a container, the particulate matter includingpowders. More specifically, the present invention, as represented by thedisclosed exemplary embodiments, relates to such dispensing closureswith hinged, reclosable flaps. Typical of prior art constructions fordispensing closures for particulate matter is the presence of a largerdispensing aperture in combination with a pattern of smaller dispensingapertures. The intended utilization is to use the smaller dispensingapertures for shaking particulate matter from the container when theintended amount to be dispensed is less and when it may need to besomewhat evenly distributed. The larger dispensing aperture allows forspooning or scooping out particulate matter from within the container orfor using the larger aperture as a type of pour spout.

What is also typical of prior art constructions is the use of a moldedplastic design joining the reclosable flaps to their supporting basestructure by means of a living hinge. The user then selectively opensone of the two flaps depending on the desired or selected manner ofdispensing the particulate matter, either by shaking (using the smallerapertures) or by spooning, scooping or pouring (using the largeraperture).

In one style of prior art construction, the larger aperture and theplurality of smaller apertures are essentially coplanar. In anotherstyle of prior art construction, the larger aperture and the pluralityof smaller apertures are axially stacked such that lifting or opening ahinged flap associated with the plurality of smaller apertures exposesor opens the larger aperture.

In one style of prior art construction two single apertures (larger andspaced apart) are arranged in a generally coplanar manner with aplurality of smaller apertures. The coplanar arrangement of theseapertures requires a greater surface area and is typically used with acontainer having a generally rectangular shape in lateral section,similar to what may be seen in association with certain spices. The“greater surface area” reference is in comparison to a generallycircular or cylindrical closure body where the apertures are able to bearranged in an axial stack or overlapping manner. In view of the limitedcapabilities offered by the prior art constructions, there is a need forimprovement in this field in terms of greater versatility.

SUMMARY

A dispensing closure for a container is provided with a plurality ofdispensing options based on different openings and apertures which maybe accessed selectively by the user. One of the features of theexemplary embodiments which is not shown by the prior art is the use oftwo patterns of smaller apertures for shaking out particulate matterwhich are provided in combination with a single, larger aperture forspooning out or scooping or pouring out the particulate matter stored inthe container. This expanded capability which is part of the disclosedembodiments provides an improvement in terms of versatility. The twopatterns of smaller apertures, likely to be used for shaking out theparticulate matter, include a first pattern with a first size ofapertures and a second pattern where its corresponding apertures arelarger than the first size of apertures. Having different aperture sizesfor these two sets of apertures is preferred, but the apertures of eachset of apertures could be of the same size. The three primary dispensingoptions provided by the present invention, as represented by thedisclosed exemplary embodiments, is a unique and unobvious improvementto the current state of the art for this type of dispensing closure.

The present invention, as represented by the disclosed exemplaryembodiments, provides a more compact construction compared to arectangular lid construction where the three openings or openingpatterns are generally coplanar. Arranging these three dispensingoptions in a coplanar manner necessitates a larger base size or surfacearea than what is required for the present invention due to the axiallayering or overlapping of multiple lids and/or lid flaps of the presentinvention. Even with this more compact construction, the dispensingclosure which is described herein is able to be fabricated, preferablyby molding, as a unitary, single-piece plastic component. While aunitary, single-piece plastic construction is preferred, it is possibleto fabricate the individual portions as separate pieces and then snapthose pieces together, using the “snap-together” construction as thehinge locations for the two top flaps and the hinge location for theinner lid. These individual portions of the unitary, single-piececonstruction are described herein.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from adetailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a dispensing closure according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure.

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 1 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure.

FIG. 7A is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure with aplurality of seal rings.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 8 dispensing closure.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 8 dispensing closure.

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 8 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 8 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the FIG. 8 dispensing closure.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 8 dispensing closure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 15 dispensing closure.

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 15 dispensing closure.

FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 15 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 19 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 15 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the FIG. 15 dispensing closure.

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 15 dispensing closure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 22 dispensing closure.

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 22 dispensing closure.

FIG. 25 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 22 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 22 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the FIG. 22 dispensing closure.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 22 dispensing closure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure with bothflaps in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 30 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 29 dispensing closure.

FIG. 31 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 29 dispensing closure.

FIG. 32 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 29 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 33 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 29 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the FIG. 29 dispensing closure.

FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 29 dispensing closure.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure with bothflaps and the inner lid in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 36 dispensing closure.

FIG. 38 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 36 dispensing closure.

FIG. 39 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 36 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 40 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 36 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the FIG. 36 dispensing closure.

FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 36 dispensing closure.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 44 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure.

FIG. 45 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure.

FIG. 46 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 43 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 47 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 43 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 48 is a top plan view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure.

FIG. 49 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the FIG. 43 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 54 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure.

FIG. 55 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure.

FIG. 56 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 53 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 57 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 53 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 58 is a top plan view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure.

FIG. 59 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the FIG. 53 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 64 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure.

FIG. 65 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure.

FIG. 66 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 63 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 67 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 63 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 68 is a top plan view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure.

FIG. 69 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the FIG. 63 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 74 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure.

FIG. 75 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure.

FIG. 76 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 73 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 77 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 73 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 78 is a top plan view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure.

FIG. 79 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the FIG. 73 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 84 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure.

FIG. 85 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure.

FIG. 86 is a left side elevational view of the FIG. 83 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 87 is a right side elevational view of the FIG. 83 dispensingclosure.

FIG. 88 is a top plan view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure.

FIG. 89 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure.

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure with oneopenable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure withanother openable flap in a hinged open condition.

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the FIG. 83 dispensing closure with ahinged inner lid in an open condition.

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dispensing closure withselected portions in broken line form to depict the option of designvariations.

FIG. 94 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 93 dispensing closure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail,although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art thatsome features that are not relevant to the present invention may not beshown for the sake of clarity.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is illustrated a dispensing closure 20 foruse in conjunction with a container of some type (not illustrated) fordispensing particulate material or matter which is stored or receivedwithin the container. The reference to particulate matter or particulatematerial is intended to include particles of various sizes andcompositions and is intended to include powders which are simply finerparticulates. One use of dispensing closure 20 would be for dispensing aspice from within the container to another location, such as to foodbeing prepared and/or food being served. In the preferred or exemplaryembodiment, the closure 20 is injection molded from a plastic materialand essentially any plastic which would be suitable for an injectionmolding process is acceptable. In terms of a preference for theexemplary embodiment, one acceptable choice is the use of polypropylene.While closure 20 is described and illustrated herein as a unitary,single-piece component, it is contemplated that the inner lid and thetwo flaps could each be fabricated as separate components and thensnapped together using a snap mechanism or arrangement as the point ofhinging for the inner lid to the closure body and as the point ofhinging for each of the two flaps to the inner lid.

The unitary construction of closure 20 includes a closure body 22 whichis preferably generally cylindrical, but is not limited or restricted tothat shape. For example, if the closure is to be applied to thecontainer (actually to the neck opening or dispensing opening of thecontainer) by a snap-on or press-on or press-in construction, then theshape of body 22 must be designed accordingly based on the containershape requirements. The generally cylindrical shape is one which wouldcorrespond to a threaded assembly of the closure to the neck of thecontainer, though any variety of container shapes and closure shapes arecontemplated as part of the exemplary embodiment. In this exemplaryembodiment the inside surface 22 a of the closure body is configuredwith threads 22 b for threaded engagement with an externally threadedneck of the selected container, when that type of assembly is selectedbased on the container choice. It is contemplated though that closure 20could be snapped onto or into the neck or opening of the container andthis would provide for virtually any type of container and closureshapes.

The unitary construction of closure 20 further includes an inner lid 24,a first flap 26 and a second flap 28. The inner lid 24 which issubstantially circular, is hinged to the closure body 22 at a hingelocation by means of living hinge 30. As such, the inner lid 22 isopenable and cooperates with the closure body 22 for enabling access tothe particulate matter which is received within the container. Theclosed inner lid 24 is secured to the closure body 22 in the closedcondition by means of an interference fit at the location of the fingerdetent 34 between two structural portions which allow the inner lid tosnap closed to the closure body 22. Included as part of the closure body22 and inner lid 24 arrangement is the finger detent 34 which creates aclearance space 36 for the user to insert a fingernail or thumbnail orother utensil as but some of the options for access to and release ofthe snap-fit (interference fit) arrangement between the inner lid 24 andthe closure body 22.

The inner surface 82 of inner lid 24 preferably includes a plurality ofseal rings 24 a as is illustrated in FIG. 7A. Sealing rings 24 a areonly shown in FIG. 7A as one further option for dispensing closure 20.While likely to be included in any of the disclosed exemplaryembodiments, these sealing rings 24 a are not illustrated in any otherviews simply for drawing clarity and to focus on the other structuralportions of dispensing closure 20, including the other embodiments ofFIGS. 43-94.

When a liner is to be used for sealing off the neck opening of thecontainer which is associated with dispensing closure 20, that liner maybe supplied with the dispensing closure 20 for handling and shippingconvenience and efficiency. It is contemplated that a suitable liner forthe type of container and type of particulate matter will be shippedwith a corresponding dispensing closure, free floating within the bodyof that dispensing closure. In the course of completing the packaging ofthe particulate matter, the liner is applied over the neck opening ofthe container by the packer.

The first flap 26 is hinged to the inner lid 24 by living hinge 38.Accordingly, the first flap 26 is openable and cooperates with the innerlid 24 for enabling access to the particulate matter within thecontainer. The closed first flap 26 is secured to the inner lid 24 (inthis closed condition) by means of an interference fit (snap fit)similar in concept to the snap-fit arrangement between inner lid 24 andclosure body 22. This interference fit is located adjacent the upperedge of finger detent 42. Included as a part of the inner lid 24 andfirst flap 26 arrangement is the finger detent 42 which creates aclearance space 44 for the user to insert a fingernail or a thumbnail orother utensil as but some of the options for access to and release ofthe snap-fit (interference fit) arrangement between the first flap 26and the inner lid 24. The first flap 26 has a substantially uniformthickness throughout, excluding the hinge 38, for achieving the desiredfit into the upper surface 54 of the inner lid 24 as will be described.

The second flap 28 is hinged to the inner lid 24 by living hinge 46.Accordingly, the second flap 28 is openable and cooperates with theinner lid 24 for enabling access to the particulate matter within thecontainer. The closed second flap 28 is secured to the inner lid 24 (inthis closed condition) by means of an interference fit (snap fit)similar in concept to the snap-fit arrangement between inner lid 24 andclosure body 22. This interference fit is located adjacent the upperedge of finger detent 50. Included as a part of the inner lid 24 andsecond flap 28 arrangement is the finger detent 50 which creates aclearance space 52 for the user to insert a fingernail or a thumbnail orother utensil as but some of the options for access to and release ofthe snap-fit (interference fit) arrangement between the second flap 28and the inner lid 24. The second flap 28 has a substantially uniformthickness throughout, excluding the hinge 46, for achieving the desiredfit into the upper surface of the inner lid 24 as will be described.

The upper surface 54 of the inner lid 24 includes a first recessedregion 56 which has a substantially uniform recessed depth and aperipheral shape which substantially corresponds to the peripheral shapeof the first flap 26 (see FIG. 8). In sizing the peripheral shape ofregion 56 it is important to ensure that the first flap 26 fits in theregion 56 without any edge-to-edge interference or mismatch.Correspondingly, the axial depth of region 56 should be at least equalto the thickness of the first flap 26 so that the upper surface 58 offirst flap 26 is preferably flush with upper surface 54 and if notflush, only slightly recessed or slightly raised.

The upper surface 54 of the inner lid 24 includes a second recessedregion 60 which has a substantially uniform recessed depth and aperipheral shape which substantially corresponds to the peripheral shapeof the second flap 28 (see FIG. 15). In sizing the peripheral shape ofregion 60, it is important to ensure that the second flap 28 fits in theregion 60 without any edge-to-edge interference or mismatch.Correspondingly, the axial depth of region 60 should be at least equalto the thickness of the second flap 28 so that the upper surface 62 ofsecond flap 28 is preferably flush with upper surface 54 and if notflush, only slightly recessed or slightly raised.

Region 56 defines a spaced pattern 64 of dispensing apertures 66. In theexemplary embodiment, there are a total of nine apertures 66 spacedapart and of substantially uniform size and generally equal spacing. Inthe exemplary embodiment, each aperture is substantially circular with adiameter of approximately 0.12 inches. Dispensing apertures 66 extendcompletely through inner lid 24 and are constructed and arranged to beused for shaking out at least some of the particulate matter which is inthe container when the first flap 26 has been hinged open as illustratedin FIGS. 8-14.

The number of apertures 66, the size of the apertures 66 and whether allapertures 66 have substantially the same diameter are all designvariables. While the preferred embodiment is described based on theexemplary drawings, it is contemplated that the design specifics canchange based on the particulate matter to be dispensed from thecontainer, its range of particle sizes, the rate of dispensing desiredand product aesthetics. The exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes projections 68 (see FIG. 8) for plugging closed eachaperture 66. A circular/cylindrical shape for the apertures 66 and forthe projections 68 was selected as being a suitable design for theexemplary embodiment. Each projection 68 (equal in number to the numberof apertures 66) has a peripheral size and shape which is suitable topivot into and plug its corresponding aperture 66 as the first flap 26is hinged closed. As would be understood, the specific pattern for theprojections 68 is the same as the pattern for the apertures 66.

Region 60 defines a spaced pattern 70 of dispensing apertures 72. In theexemplary embodiment, there are a total of three apertures 72 spacedapart and of substantially uniform size and generally equal spacing. Inthe exemplary embodiment each aperture is circular with a diameter ofapproximately 0.30 inches. Dispensing apertures 72 extend completelythrough inner lid 24 and are constructed and arranged to be used forshaking out at least some of the particulate matter which is in thecontainer when the second flap 28 has been hinged open as illustrated inFIGS. 15-21.

The number of apertures 72, the size of the apertures 72 and whether allapertures 72 have substantially the same diameter are all designvariables. While the preferred embodiment is described based on theexemplary drawings, it is contemplated that the design specifics canchange based on the particulate matter to be dispensed, its range ofparticle sizes, the rate of dispensing desired and product aesthetics.The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes projections74 (see FIG. 15) for plugging closed each aperture 72. Acircular/cylindrical shape for the apertures 72 and for the projections74 was selected as being a suitable design for the exemplary embodiment.Each projection 74 (equal in number to the number of apertures 72) has aperipheral size and shape which is suitable to pivot into and plug itscorresponding aperture 72 as the second flap 28 is hinged closed. Aswould be understood, the specific pattern for the projections 74 is thesame as the pattern for the apertures 72.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the dispensing closure 20 in a closed condition,with the inner lid 24 snapped (interference fit) closed to the closurebody 22, with the first flap 26 snapped (interference fit) closed andwith the second flap 28 snap (interference fit) closed. FIGS. 8-14illustrate the dispensing closure 20 in a first mode of use with thefirst flap 26 hinged open for dispensing particulate matter, typicallyby shaking. FIGS. 15-21 illustrate the dispensing closure 20 in a secondmode of use with the second flap 28 hinged open for dispensingparticulate matter, typically by shaking.

FIGS. 22-28 illustrate the dispensing closure 20 in a third mode of usewith the first and second flaps 26 and 28, respectively, closed and theinner lid 24 hinged open. This mode would likely be selected whenscooping out or spooning out or pouring out particulate matter and alarger opening is desired for the selected utensil (scoop or spoon) orpreferable for pouring out. As illustrated, the closure body 22 definesa central opening 76 which is encircled by inner annular lip 78. Thisinner annular lip 78 is inset slightly from the outer wall 80 of closurebody 22 and is used as part of a sealed interface with an inner annularrim 84 of lid 24 for sealing closed the particulate matter stored withinthe container based on the use of dispensing closure 20 in combinationwith that container. In a cooperating and compatible manner, the innersurface 82 of the inner lid 24 includes the annular rim 84 which in theexemplary embodiment is substantially circular. This annular rim 84 issized and arranged so as to have an essentially line-to-line fit againstthe inner edge 86 of annular lip 78. As the inner lid 24 closes againstthe closure body 22, the annular rim 84 fits down inside of annular lip78 so as to create a sealed interface between the inner lid 24 and theclosure body 22 for preserving the particulate matter. This helps tokeep the contents of the container (the particulate matter) fresh andhelps to prevent any unintended contamination.

FIGS. 29-35 illustrate the dispensing closure 20 in a fourth mode of usewith both the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 hinged open. Whilethis fourth mode of use is not considered to be as likely as any one ofthe first three modes of use, it is an option. This fourth mode wouldlikely be selected when it is desired to dispense the particulate matterby shaking, but where a relatively large amount of particulate matter isto be dispensed, and it can be accomplished a little faster by openingboth flaps 26 and 28.

FIGS. 36-42 illustrate the dispensing closure 20 with both flaps 26 and28 hinged open and with the inner lid 24 hinged open. This specificarrangement is not considered to be an additional mode of use as it iseffectively the same as the third mode. These drawings are provided inorder to show the total independence and mutual exclusivity of each ofthe three hinged structures. The inner lid 24 is able to be opened andclosed regardless of the condition or status of either of the first flap26 or the second flap 28. This same described independence applies inthe same manner for the first flap 26 relative to the second flap 28 andthe inner lid 24 and for the second flap 28 relative to the first flap26 and the inner lid 24.

In the course of describing the exemplary embodiment of dispensingclosure 20, it has been explained that several of the design andconstruction elements of the exemplary embodiment have alternatives anddesign variations which are contemplated and suitable for the intendeduse of the disclosed dispensing structure. For example, the pattern,number and size of apertures 66 and the pattern, number and size ofapertures 72 can each vary. While the specifics for some of thesevariables may dictate or influence the specifics of others, the designoptions are otherwise independent.

As one way to present design variations and to show the versatility forthe exemplary embodiment of the disclosed dispensing closure, additionaldrawings FIGS. 43-94 are being included with broken lines for depictingconstruction aspects and elements which may take on a range ofalternatives and variations all within the contemplated scope of theexemplary embodiment. The use of broken lines is a way to depict one ormore features of the exemplary embodiment which may be selectivelychanged, altered or modified while still preserving the fundamentalaspects, performance and structural elements of the present invention.These additional drawings include six variations and for the referencenumbers, some of the same numbers which are used in FIGS. 1-42 are usedagain, though with a numbering prefix for each of the six variationswhich are shown. For example, the first variation of the dispensingclosure 20 includes a 100 prefix and the corresponding dispensingclosure is thus identified as dispensing closure 120. The secondvariation is directed to dispensing closure 220 and so forth for each ofthe six variations. Each of these six variations is illustrated based onusing the seven views corresponding to FIGS. 1-7 and using the flip-openviews of FIGS. 8, 15 and 22. The use of broken lines in these designvariations (FIGS. 43-94) is representative of the fact that some of thespecific sizes, shapes and arrangements can vary without changing thebasic principles, concepts and functioning of the present invention.

FIGS. 43-52 illustrate dispensing closure 120 with closure body 122,inner lid 124, a first flap 126 and a second flap 128.

FIGS. 53-62 illustrate dispensing closure 220 with closure body 222,inner lid 224, a first flap 226 and a second flap 228.

FIGS. 63-72 illustrate dispensing closure 320 with closure body 322,inner lid 324, a first flap 326 and a second flap 328.

FIGS. 73-82 illustrate dispensing closure 420 with closure body 422,inner lid 424, a first flap 426 and a second flap 428.

FIGS. 83-92 illustrate dispensing closure 520 with closure body 522,inner lid 524, a first flap 526 and a second flap 528.

FIGS. 93-94 illustrate dispensing closure 620 with closure body 622 andinner lid 624

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individualpublication, patent, or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth inits entirety herein.

1. A dispensing closure comprising: a closure body defining a dispensingaperture; an openable lid cooperating with said closure body forenabling access to said dispensing aperture, said openable lid definingfirst dispensing means and second dispensing means; a first openableflap cooperating with said openable lid for enabling access to saidfirst dispensing means; and a second openable flap cooperating with saidopenable lid for enabling access to to said second dispensing means. 2.The dispensing closure of claim 1 wherein said openable lid is hinged tosaid closure body.
 3. The dispensing closure of claim 2 wherein saidfirst openable flap is hinged to said openable lid.
 4. The dispensingclosure of claim 3 wherein said second openable flap is hinged to saidopenable lid.
 5. The dispensing closure of claim 1 wherein said firstdispensing means includes a plurality of first openings.
 6. Thedispensing closure of claim 5 wherein each first opening of saidplurality of first openings has a first diameter size.
 7. The dispensingclosure of claim 6 wherein said second dispensing means includes aplurality of second openings.
 8. The dispensing closure of claim 7wherein each second opening of said plurality of second openings has asecond diameter size.
 9. The dispensing closure of claim 8 wherein saidsecond diameter size is larger than said first diameter size.
 10. Thedispensing closure of claim 1 which further includes as a part of saidfirst openable flap, first closing means for cooperating with said firstdispensing means.
 11. The dispensing closure of claim 10 which furtherincludes as a part of said second openable flap, said closing means forcooperating with said second dispensing means.
 12. The dispensingclosure of claim 11 wherein said first dispensing means includes aplurality of substantially cylindrical openings and said first closingmeans includes a plurality of substantially cylindrical projections. 13.The dispensing closure of claim 12 wherein said second dispensing meansincludes a plurality of substantially cylindrical openings and saidsecond closing means includes a plurality of substantially cylindricalprojections.
 14. A dispensing closure for a container, said dispensingclosure comprising: a closure body which is constructed and arranged toassemble to said container, said closure body defining a dispensingaperture; a cover member hinged to said closure body and beingconstructed and arranged for closing off said dispensing aperture; and aplurality of combinations of an openable cover flap and a dispensingopening, said plurality of combinations being formed as part of saidcover member, wherein said combinations are adjacent each other andwherein said combinations are overlapping said dispensing aperture. 15.The dispensing closure of claim 14 wherein each openable cover flap ishinged to said cover member.
 16. The dispensing closure of claim 15wherein one dispensing opening of said plurality of combinations is oneopening of a first plurality of openings.
 17. The dispensing closure ofclaim 16 wherein another dispensing opening of said plurality ofcombinations is one opening of a second plurality of openings.
 18. Thedispensing closure of claim 17 wherein the openings of said firstplurality of openings and the openings of said second plurality ofopenings are of different sizes and/or different shapes.
 19. Thedispensing closure of claim 14 which further includes an interferencefit between said cover member and said closure body for selectivelyretaining said cover member in a closed condition over said dispensingaperture.
 20. The dispensing closure of claim 14 which further includesan interference fit between each openable cover flap of said pluralityof combinations and said cover member for selectively retaining eachopenable cover flap in a closed condition over its correspondingdispensing opening.